THE DESERT SEA.

Waikato Times, Volume XIX, Issue 1642, 13 January 1883, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE DESERT SEA.

The report on this subject, presented by M. de Freycinet, French Minister of Foreign Affairs, to the President, has been published. He reports so far favourably, that he considers the project worth x the appointment of a special commission, for which purpose he has prepared a bill. The scheme under consideration, is that of M. Roudaire, by which a canal nearly 150 miles long, 32J feet below the sea level, and 328 feet wide, is to lead the waters of the Mediterranean from the Gulf of Gabes into the empty lake beds, known as the cJiotts of P.harsa and Mebrir. Although the expense is variously calculated, M. de Freycinet does not consider that it will be prohibitory, if the formation of the lake is desirable on other grounds. t In its favour it is urged that the climate of 'the regions lying round its shores will be improved, and their soil fertilized, that it will form an impassable barrier against the incursions of the nomad tribes from the Sahara and Tripoli, that* it will greatly increase the commerce of Algeria and Tunis, by furnishing them with internal water communication, and form a perfectly safe harbour of refuge for the French mercantile marine in time of war. The objections raised are, that the great evaporation will leave'the lake so salt that fish will'be nnable to live in it, and that the water will stagnate, and become a sort of pestilential miasma. M. Roudaire, however, is of opinion, that a return current to the Mediterranean will be established in thehottom of the canal.—Scientific'American,

New Yokk jewellers say the rage for wearing jewelled garters is spreading. They are de-, jS^gned to match the tint ,of the dress Worn.' with'them. One of the most expensive^'cost .tyro hundred. m$ eighty pounds,, In this the lace, and,pearl-jcol,our.ed #lk. band, was joined by an eldborate-olasp.., On one side was the , Jadyjs monogram in pearls; on the other the flcoat-of-»rms, "with,, frosted Btork's head, a ,o^B^ol .delicately, carved gold, audj a motto 4 p^finchip dlarnonds.^ ItAvas a p'reserit from |^^oth^^tOjJh^Mjd|^ghter a wao".is jto be MHJjftea^ soon. Her will" be a,